FLINT, MI -- Patrols will return to a portion of the Flint River Trail this summer for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The River Trail Watchers will be a group of retired volunteers that will patrol the Flint River Walk from the University of Michigan-Flint’s campus to Ballenger Highway.
Run by UM-Flint’s Department of Public Safety in partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors and the Valley Area Agency on Aging, the program’s return was announced at a Thursday, May 18, news conference at Factory One.
The program was originally launched back in 2014, but it was suspended when COVID-19 hit. Volunteers will be tasked with reporting suspicious activity and picking up litter along the trail.
Volunteers will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. They will be equipped with a walkie-talkie, a trash bag, volunteer T-shirts, dog treats and a golf cart.
They are also “required to bring smiles,” UM-Flint Chief Ray Hall said.
“We want people to use this hidden gem and we want our residents to use this hidden gem as well as visitors,” Hall said. “We don’t want anyone not to use it because of safety concerns. We’re going to keep you safe.”
Flint Trail Watchers is a part of the University of Michigan-Flint Division of Public Safety’s Volunteer in Policing program.
Those who are interested in volunteering for the program must be a part of RSVP, an AmeriCorps program that is used in partnership with VIP.
Interested volunteers should contact the Valley Area Agency on Aging at 810-239-7671, go online at valleyareaaging.org or email RSVP@valleyaaa.org.
The program was relaunched in partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Parks, the Flint Police Department, AmeriCorps Seniors and the Valley Area on Aging.
Yaushica Aubert, president and CEO of the Valley Area Agency on Aging, said this is an “amazing opportunity for seniors to get out and utilize the trail.”
“I’m excited about this partnership,” Aubert said. “What a wonderful opportunity to work with those who are charged with protecting and serving out community.”
VIP was originally established to meet the changing needs of the university and downtown Flint communities and promote safety, according to its website.
UM-Flint officials also announced the return of The Garden Project, which is also looking for volunteers. It is a partnership with UM-Flint Students Government and other student organizations that will maintain the university’s community park.
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